Tyre advice

[Daniel]

My S4 will need rears soon.

It runs on 245/45's

I'm looking for something grippy and for occasional track use?

[Dermot]

Daniel,

Only 245's on the back, I would not mix front and rear tyre types. I could not get the 2 rear SO-3's for my S4 so I had to buy 4 new tyres.

I am happy with my Toyo T1-R's. You need to research what is available in your sizes.

Dermot

[s4simon]

I'm currently running Uniroyals, but don't think you can get those anymore.

I know quite a few people like the Toyos.

Don't forget LEW Members get a discount at My Tyres

Another option is the 4 on ebay at the mo.

S4 Rims and Tyres on Ebay

[DanR]

Tyres for these cars aren't cheap. Track and road use imposes two very different and opposing demands. If your budget can stretch get another set of wheels and radials specifically designed for track use. Won't last long but average 1-2 secs/minute in extra grip.

For road use you may decide longevity, wet weather grip and complying (mostly) with speed limits brings about a different set of parameters. Personally and from my experence between road and track radials, I think there is too much hype about street tyres and brands. The difference in cost increases exponentially for any, or none, marginal gains.

These days for road use I'm quite happy with lower end radials. Currently running Federals and for the type of street driving I do, which at times can be excessive on my private test road, I would buy them again. Good wear, wet grip and feedback. Also if you search the different brands on the net and due to globalisation, a lot of those Taiwanese, Malaysian and Korean brands are tied in with the major manufacturers and using their technology.

[Kato]

See LEW's guide here:

http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EMaintenance/Tyres3.html

If you're going on the track you might want something stickier than the Dunlop's.

[s4simon]

Danny, What's the going price in Oz dollars for the Federals front and rear.

Just to give me a heads up for when I finally get back there.

[DanR]

Simon the rears ranged from $180 to $220 and the fronts $10 less. That's each.

[s4simon]

Pretty happy with that.

Makes them around 80 - 85 pounds each.

[DanR]

I should have added that's for the SS595 type. Oh and they have rim protectors the really do protrude past the rim. They have also been linked with Bridgestone and Sumitomo (Dunlop).

Edited September 6, 2005 by DanR1201

[Rob]

If you're going on the track you might want something stickier than the Dunlop's.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ok, so i'm no expert, but i would think for most "average" drivers its actually better to use your regular street tyres for any track events. You get to know exactly how the car feels and behaves at the limit, so do you don't get lulled into a false sense of security provided by the 'special' stick track tyres.

Also, putting very grippy tyres on any road car will only end up putting additional loads on the rest of the vehicle. Remember the esprit was not designed as a track car..